Removed Video Of Eiji Aonuma At Universal Studios Orlando Sparks Zelda Park Speculation

Wake up, Link. You might be becoming a main feature of the upcoming Super Nintendo World attraction planned for Universal Studios Orlando.

At least, that's the speculation as Eurogamer reports that The Legend of Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma was spotted at the Florida resort in a hard hat next to Shigeru Miyamoto in a now-removed Instagram post. So far, Super Nintendo World attractions in Hollywood and Japan have focused on Mario, with Miyamoto helping to build the theme park spaces. Link, Ganon, and Zelda haven't been a focal point yet.

Super Nintendo World was confirmed for Universal Studios Orlando early last year and called the "worst-kept secret in history" by Universal Destinations CEO Mark Woodbury. It's planned to open next year.

Meanwhile, Super Nintendo World at Universal Hollywood opened at the same time as that announcement in February 2023. GameSpot has highlighted eight things to know before visiting the Mario-centric attraction at the California park.

If a Zelda space does appear as part of Super Nintendo World at Universal Orlando, it won't be the first expansion into other franchises for the attraction. Donkey Kong Country is coming to Universal Studios Japan sometime this spring with a minecart rollercoaster ride.

Of course, Nintendo has big plans in general for the Hylian hero. The company is teaming up with Sony for a live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, with director Wes Ball aiming for legendary animation director Hayao Miyazaki's aesthetics with the project.